Wemyss artwork taken out of sale

A 17TH century Italian painting of St Andrew from the Wemyss family home in East Lothian has been withdrawn from sale, the estate said yesterday.

The Crucifixion of St Andrew was due to appear at the Maastrict art and antiques fair next week on the stand of the London fine art dealer Simon Dickinson, valued at 2 million.

But an estate manager for the Earl of Wemyss said there was a "confusion of communications".

A partner at Simon Dickinson told The Scotsman this week the work was "fresh to market".

But Martin Andrews, the estate factor, said the earl had made it clear yesterday the picture was not for sale.